Awaken the World's Constant Words (Complete Illustrated Complete Edition) (Volumes 1 and 2)

Author: Feng Menglong (Ming Dynasty)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Ancient Chinese vernacular short stories, originally intended as scripts for storytelling by performers and widely circulated among the people. By the late Ming Dynasty, some scholars edited, refined, and imitated these scripts for novel writing, and through the extensive printing and distribution by book merchants, vernacular novels had a significant impact on all social strata, especially the lower classes. Among these, the most notable are the two collections of scripts, "San Yan" and "Er Pa." "San Yan" consists of three short story collections edited and refined by Feng Menglong during the Ming Dynasty: "Yushi Mingyan," "Jingshi Tongyan," and "Xingshi Hengyan." Each collection contains 40 stories, totaling 120 stories. Because each title contains the character "yan," they are collectively referred to as "San Yan." Feng Menglong (1574-1646), styled Yulong, was also known as Longziyou, Mihanzhai Master, and Guci Sanren, among other names. He was from Changzhou. He once served as the magistrate of Shejian County in Shouning and gained a reputation for his governance. During the Qing army's crossing of the Yangtze River, he participated in anti-Qing activities. He wrote extensively throughout his life, particularly in the field of popular literature, making significant contributions to the search, editing, organization, research, creation, and publication of vernacular literature. He adapted works such as "Pingyao Chuan" and "Xin Lieguo Zhi." He also wrote the anecdotal novel "Gujin Tange," the romance "Shuang Xiong Ji," and revised numerous plays by Tang Xianzu and others, collectively titled "Mihanzhai Dingben Chuanqi," all of which are well-documented. The works included in "San Yan," whether old pieces from the Song and Yuan dynasties or newly created or imitated by Feng Menglong during the Ming Dynasty, were all to varying degrees revised, edited, and polished by him. These works cover a wide range of themes and complex content. Some condemn the vices of feudal officials while praising the virtues of upright officials; others celebrate friendship and love while condemning treachery and infidelity. What is particularly noteworthy is that many works depict the lives of commoners in the marketplaces. Examples include "Shi Runze Tanque Yu You," "Jiang Xingge Chonghui Zhenzhu Shan," "Du Shiniang Nu Chen Baobao Xiang," and "Mai Youlang Du Zhan Hua Kuai." In these works, emphasis is placed on the importance of respecting human emotions and values, and the moral standards and marriage principles they advocate are in conflict with feudal ethics and traditional concepts. They reflect the vibrant ideological consciousness of urban citizens. The outstanding works in "San Yan" not only prioritize a complete story, intricate plot, and rich details but also employ various artistic techniques to portray character personalities. Their publication advanced the development and prosperity of short stories, marking the formation of the national style and characteristics of Chinese vernacular short fiction. "Xingshi Hengyan" is a 40-volume work originally titled "Kaiyi Jushi Ping" and "Milotang Master." It includes a few old works from the Song and Yuan dynasties, mostly by Ming Dynasty authors, with some possibly written by Feng himself. Compared to "Yushi Mingyan" and "Jingshi Tongyan," it has a stronger sense of creation, more complete structure, finer descriptions, and more vivid character portrayals. The preface to "Xingshi Hengyan" explains its purpose and nature: "The word 'ming' implies that it can enlighten the ignorant. The word 'tong' implies that it can suit the masses. The word 'heng' means it is enjoyable to read repeatedly and can be passed down for a long time. The three collections have different names, but their meanings are distinct." This reveals the function and nature of "San Yan." The works expose the darkness of feudal rule in a profound manner but also contain feudal moral teachings and erotic descriptions. "Xingshi Hengyan" has a Ming Tianqi 7th-year edition by Ye Jingchi and a Yanchengtang edition, both widely circulated. The present edition was compiled based on numerous versions, carefully selecting and refining the best works to form the current edition. The illustrations used in this book are mostly selected from classic embroidery versions from various dynasties, and contemporary renowned painters were commissioned to create works in the styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties.